If you’re wondering how to block YouTube on an iPhone, you can try a few methods like blocking new app installations or using Guided Access.
How to block YouTube on iPhone
YouTube is, without a doubt, one of the most popular platforms to ever see the light of day. It has helped millions of users learn valuable skills, monetize their content, and entertain themselves.
However, with overuse, the benefits quickly become alarming disadvantages. To prevent experiencing the negative effects of YouTube for you or your children, you can block it on your iOS device. This article shares everything you need to know about it.
The growing influence of YouTube and why it may be best to block it from your iPhone and iPad
YouTube is the world’s second most popular search engine after Google. People use it to search for recipes, learn languages, do homework, watch coding tutorials, listen to music, and much more.
But the following can occur when using the platform:
Spread of fake news
Spread of misinformation
Risk of exposing children to adult content
Excessive screen time
These are more than enough reasons to block YouTube from your or your child’s device.
Luckily, at least five different methods limit access to YouTube.
5 Steps to block Youtube from your iPhone
Limit the screen time
iPhone’s built-in Screen Time functionality lets you set up parental controls and other blocking options. Once you enable it, follow the steps below to limit YouTube on any iOS device (iPad and iPhone).
Navigate to “Settings,” then “Screen time.”
Hit “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
Turn on the “Content & Privacy Restrictions” setting and tap Content Restrictions.
Select “Apps” and enter the desired limit (less than 12+). This way, the device will only show apps in the App Store that are appropriate for that age and below.
YouTube has an age rating of 17+, so set the limit to 12+ or less. Now the YouTube app will be unavailable for download, so your kid won’t be able to use it.
If you already have the YouTube app installed on the device, it will simply disappear.
However, this step comes with a significant downside. It prevents installing apps that are rated 17+. If this restricted mode doesn’t work for you, you can proceed to the next method.
Block new app installations
You can also remove YouTube from an iOS device by setting up a blocker for new app installations.
From the “Home Screen” and hold the “YouTube” app icon for a few moments.
Hit “Remove App,” then “Delete App,” and “Delete.”
Open “Settings” then “Screen Time.”
Make sure the “Content and Privacy Restrictions” are enabled.
Go to your iTunes & App Store Purchases.
Hit “Installing Apps,” then “Don’t Allow.”
Once you complete these steps, you won’t be able to see the App Store on your device anymore. This is an easy way to prevent yourself or your children from accessing it and downloading it as a new app.
To revert this action, you can follow the same steps. Just press “Allow” in Step 6.
Set a time limit
Another popular way of blocking YouTube is setting a time limit. It won’t prevent you from accessing the app altogether but will keep your watch time in order. When the time limit is exceeded, the app blocks itself.
Go to “Settings,” then “Screen Time.”
Hit “Turn on Screen Time,” then “Continue,” then “This is My Child’s iPhone.”
Press “Not Now,” then “Not Now” again, and finish by hitting “Continue.”
Enter a Screen Time Passcode.
Go to “App Limits,” then “Add Limit.”
You can limit all entertainment apps or only YouTube.
Enter the time limit you want. You can also set the limit on specific days of the week.
Hit “Add.”
Block www.youtube.com from Safari, Firefox, Chrome, and other browsers
When you use the above-mentioned methods, you only block the YouTube app from being used. Proceed to the steps below to block the YouTube website on web browsers as well.
Go to “Settings,” then “Screen time.”
Open “Content and Privacy Restrictions” and enable it.
Go to “Content Restrictions,” then “Web content.”
Pick “Limit Adult Websites.”
Hit “Add Website” under the “Never Allow” option.
Enter “http://www.youtube.com” and leave the Settings app.
Use Guided Access
Finally, you can rely on Guided Access to restrict access to only one app. For example, you can use Guided Access so your child can use a learning app without distractions.
You can set up this feature by going to “Settings,” then “General,” and “Accessibility. Just move the slider next to “Guided Access” to enable it.
To start the Guided Access session, open the app you want to use and press the Side button or the “Home Button” three times.
Alternatives to YouTube
If you don’t want you or your child to access YouTube channels and the questionable type of content featured on them, you can try other ways to keep them entertained or help their school performance.
Speechify
Speechify is a text to speech app that uses deep learning and artificial intelligence to read written text aloud.
The software reads digital, printed, and text in many formats like Docs, PDF, DOCX, HTML, TXT, and more. There are dozens of natural-sounding, computer-generated voices that can help with reading assignments. Additionally, Speechify has a voiceover feature.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is among the best educational apps for children and adults of all skill levels. The app is free and available on iOS and Android devices. Children can explore subjects like history, math, and economics while you can kickstart a new hobby or fine-tune an old skill.
A separate “Khan Academy Kids” app is available and suitable for children ages 2-8.
YouTube Kids
YouTube Kids is a separate app you can download from the App Store. This YouTube version is suited for kids and has a healthy environment that provides a safer online experience for children. You can set parental controls and ensure your kid watches videos suitable for their age and interests.
FAQ
How do I permanently block YouTube on my iPhone?
You can block YouTube on your iPhone using a website blocker, third-party app blockers, or setting up parental controls.
How do I block a YouTube channel on my iPhone 2022?
In your YouTube app, open the page of the channel you want to block and hit the three dots in the top-right corner. Press “Block user,” then “Block.”
